Search the Dictionary

Inclined to judicial contest; given to the practice of contending in law; guarrelsome; contentious; fond of litigation. " A pettifogging attorney or a litigious client." Macaulay. Soldiers find wars, and lawyers find out still Litigious men, who guarrels move. Donne.

To act habitually in conformity with; to practice. To live the Gospel. Foxe. To live down, to live so as to subdue or refute; as, to live down slander.

honest livelihood. Addison. It is their profession and livelihood to get their living by practices for which they deserve to forfeit their lives. South.

A principle, practice, form of speech, or other thing of local use, or limited to a locality.

The art or practice of measuring distances or lengths. Cheyne.

ds look rainy. It would look more like vanity than gratitude. Addison. Observe how such a practice looks in another person. I. Watts.

The habit or practice of talking continually or excessively; inclination to talk too much; talkativeness; garrulity. Too great loquacity and too great taciturnity by fits. Arbuthnot.

. The act or practice by private persons of inflicting punishment for crimes or offenses, without due process of law.

The supposed principles of Machiavel, or practice in conformity to them; political artifice, intended to favor arbitrary power.

One skilled in magic; one who practices the black art; an enchanter; a necromancer; a sorcerer or sorceress; a conjurer.

. athamanticum in South Africa, are used as good substitutes for the male fern in medical practice. See Female fern, under Female. -- Male rhyme, a rhyme in which only the last syllables agree, as laid, afraid, dismayed. See Female rhyme, under Female. -- Male screw (Mech.), a screw having threads upon its exterior w…

reat with malice; to show hatred toward; to abuse; to wrong; to injure. [Obs.] The people practice what mischiefs and villainies they will against private men, whom they malign by stealing their goods, or murdering them. Spenser.

The spirit or practices of a malingerer; malingering.

Evil conduct; fraudulent practices; misbehavior, corruption, or extortion in office.

ans to accomplish an end; conduct directed by art or address; skillful treatment; cunning practice; -- often in a bad sense. Mark with what management their tribes divide Some stick to you, and some to t'other side. Dryden.

The art or practice of variegating in color, in imitation of marble.

The theory or practice of Marconi's wireless telegraph system.

Indeed ! in truth ! -- a term of asseveration said to have been derived from the practice of swearing by the Virgin Mary. [Obs.] Shak.

Practiced in, or inclined to, war; warlike; brave. But peaceful kings, o'er martial people set, Each other's poise and counterbalance are. Dryden.

The principles or practices of a martinet; rigid adherence to discipline, etc.